Notre Dame Football: Top Three Plays of the 2018 Season

No. 3. Khalid Kareem Sack-Fumble and Julian Love Touchdown Return vs Virginia Tech

This was arguably one of the biggest defensive plays of the season. With the Irish holding on to a slim 10-9 lead over Virginia Tech late in the first half, Khalid Kareem and Julian Love decided to turn the tide of the game themselves.

On a 1st & 10 from Notre Dame’s 48-yard line, defensive end Khalid Kareem got a great jump off the left edge and powered his way between the double team block of the left tackle and running back. Hokie quarterback Ryan Willis was able to move left and avoid the initial sack attempt by Kareem before scrambling back right to extend the play. Kareem, getting up off the ground, was patiently waiting for Willis before blindsiding him and popping the ball loose.

As Willis was scrambling to extend the play, cornerback Julian Love began flying upfield and ended up in the right place at the right time as the ball popped out and bounced right into his hands. Love would take the turnover 42-yards to the house, giving the Irish a 17-9 lead.

Though Virginia Tech would march down the field and score right before halftime, the score gave the Irish some cushion and slowed down a Hokie offense that was averaging five yards per play in the first half. Notre Dame’s defense would ride that momentum and give up only seven points the rest of the game.

It’s hard to argue any other defensive play this season providing more of of a spark and momentum shift than this scoop-and-score in week six. This play would end up being the only defensive touchdown of the year for the Irish and one of the most exciting plays of the season.